Native America Speaks programs scheduled

The Native America Speaks interpretive program in Glacier National Park kicked off this year’s tourist season on June 25. Members of the Blackfeet Tribe and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes share their knowledge of Native American history and culture throughout the summer. The program includes free 45-minute presentations at the Apgar, Many Glacier, Rising Sun, and Two Medicine campgrounds.

Blackfeet poet, singer and lecturer Jack Gladstone blends song and narrative as he recounts tribal stories, animal legends and character portraits. His evening programs take place at the Many Glacier Hotel and the Lake McDonald Lodge auditorium beginning June 29.

The Blackfeet Singers and Dancers, led by Joe McKay and Ray Croff, provide insight into Blackfeet history and culture through narration and fancy, jingle, traditional and grass dance demonstrations weekly at the St. Mary Visitor Center Auditorium.

Tickets for these programs are $5 per adult and free to children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the St. Mary Visitor Center bookstore for the Blackfeet Singers and Dancers on the day of the performance. Tickets for both performances are also available at the door (cash only) prior to the beginning of the show.

The Native American interpretive programs are made possible through donations from the Glacier National Park Conservancy. For more information about the Native America Speaks program, including a schedule of events, visit online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/nas.htm.